Gold Panning
Nth Qld Gold Panning Championship
The Nth Qld Gold Panning Championships is held yearly in Mareeba. The event attracts many local and interstate visitors and contestants. The event is held over one day and is organised by the Nth Qld Miners Association.
Where?
Mareeba Heritage Centre
Contact:
Rob Ryan 07 4091 7546 Ralph De Lacey 07 4032 0123
How does it work?
Each contestant
in the various heats is given a 15 kilogram bucket of washed gravel
with between 5 and 12 flakes of gold disbursed throughout. The idea
is to pan off the gravel without losing any pieces of gold. Penalties
apply for every piece of gold that is lost. You get to keep all of the gold that you find in the competition - and the gold is real.
For those who have never tried panning for gold, this is an opportunity to take a lesson, practice in the panning tanks, and then come and join the fun.
Categories include Beginners, Juniors, Seniors, Groups, Open, Ladies etc.
All category winners and place-getters will be awarded prizes.
Many stalls and displays of metal detectors, gemstone/facetting will be on show, including the Department of Mines and Energy. On many occasions a representative of Minelab Electronics has attended the event ready to answer any questions.
Regulations
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Any type of gold pan can be used providing it is under 50cm outside measurement, side to side and no more than 15cm deep.
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Riffles must be no more than 15mm high.
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Gold pan can only be made of one material eg metal, plastic, fiberglass etc.
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No screws or other attachments are permitted.
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Judges decision is final.